Here are the Manchester United morning headlines for Tuesday, August 4.
Sancho transfer latest
Manchester United are edging closer to completing a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.
Sancho is United’s leading transfer target this summer as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title.
MEN Sport understand Inter Milan are close to sealing a permanent transfer for Alexis Sanchez which will pave the way for Sancho to arrive at Old Trafford.
The former Manchester City man is coming off the back of another superb season in the Bundesliga, where he scored 17 goals and provided 16 assists for Dortmund.
Dortmund have set a deadline of August 10 for the deal to be finalised as they don't want any transfer saga to interrupt their pre-season preparations but their posturing has failed to unnerve United or whip up interest from other clubs.
Mengi given new squad number
United youngster Teden Mengi has been given a new squad number by the club.
The 18-year-old will now wear the number 43 shirt for the Reds, having been pictured wearing that training top ahead of United’s Europa League clash with LASK.
It represents a promotion for Mengi, who has been tipped to make his debut in the second leg of a tie that United lead 5-0.
The teenager, who previously wore number 71, impressed for the under-18s and under-23s in 2019/20.
A central defender, Mengi is now hoping to impress Solskjaer and earn a permanent place in the first-team squad.
Neville issues De Gea verdict
Phil Neville believes United will need to get David de Gea back to his best if they are to challenge for the title next term.
Solskjaer’s side sealed a third-place finish in 2019/20 after an impressive run of form in the second half of the season.
The goal now will be to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City for the title, but Neville thinks that will only be possible if De Gea recovers from his patchy recent form.
“You think to yourself - how are United going to make up 20 points? That’s a lot, that’s so much, six or seven games,” he said on the Webby & O’Neill podcast.
“So you think to yourself they need to be better defensively, the goalkeeper they can improve. David de Gea needs to get back to his best.
“But I think it’s at the top end of the pitch. Rashford, Martial, Greenwood, let’s get them 20 goals each, let’s start beating every team.”
